BMX racing is growing in popularity, but the idea of putting a commercial track in a public park has its critics.

BMX racing is one of the so-called "extreme sports," but it's important to know it’s not the motorized variety. The "B" stands for "bicycle" and it's all about pedal power.

Vince McCurdy operates two BMX tracks in Lakeside and Kearny Mesa. He said as Escondido considers a plan to build a race track in Kit Carson Park, residents should remember that noise shouldn’t be a big issue for communities.

McCurdy said BMX racing appeals to little kids and adults and it’s been an Olympic sport since 2008. McCurdy has had his eye on a track in North County for years.

"Basically we’re going to put on a BMX race same as in the Olympics," he said. "We start actually racing 'em at a competitive level at age 5 and under. So they bring their bikes, we’ll get 'em in a helmet and make sure they got a suit and then they take off down the hill and race around for a trophy."

But a group of Escondido residents recently formed to defend Kit Carson Park from incursions by private enterprises. Ruth Weber is a member.

"Only the people that can pay to use it will be able to use it and it’s a public park," she said. "Everybody should be able to use all the things in the park without paying. And the city would have to pay to construct this area — so the city and the taxpayers are having all the risk and not the person that is actually going to run the park.“

The proposal on the table has the city of Escondido paying $113,000 to build the park, which would then be leased to Escondido BMX, a for-profit entity.

Wednesday night’s hearing is to see if the plan has any traction in the community.

My property borders Kit Carson, and me and my family use it all the time. If they want to build a Bike track then great, that's one more activity that my children can participate in. As for not being Free, there is currently a Little league field, a Roller Hockey Rink, a Indoor soccer field, and a Skateboard park that all charge money for there services. So Mr. Weber get off your high horse you don't represent the majority of the people who use these facilities.